The Niagara News is the community newspaper of Niagara College located in Welland and Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada. It is created and produced by the students of the Niagara College Journalism program.

Canada welcomes first group of Syrian refugees

By CONNOR MARTENStaff WriterAs the first 163 Syrian refugees arrive tonight at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, sponsors and citizens are ready to welcome their soon-to-be Canadian brothers and sisters.“We should really welcome them because Canada is very big and has always been welcoming to people. So why not actually bring some here for a good cause?” were the words of Niagara College student Behram-Shah Qureshi, who was excited when he first heard of the displaced Syrians coming to Canada.The specifically outfitted military aircraft transporting refugees who are deemed “most vulnerable” (women, children, elderly and the ill) was expected to land at about 11:15 p.m. EST.Pearson has designated and prepared an area of its infield terminal to accept all newcomers. The area is complete with screening areas, winter clothing distribution centres, and comes equipped with a children’s play area to ensure all aspects of the arrival goes smoothly.But with the number of those seeking aid in Canada being enough to populate a large town, the question is raised of employment opportunities exist for those arriving.Niagara College student Satvinder Sangh was quick to voice his thoughts on refugees settling and working in Canada.“If they can work over there, they can work over here. No discrimination. They can’t come here and just enjoy the life with funds from someone else. They should live like us, normal people – hanging out with friends, and working, not being totally dependent on the government.”As an international student, Sangh knows all too well the effort and money it takes to get settled in a foreign country, and he says he hopes that incoming Syrians will be able to give back to the country offering them refuge. He emphasizes the refugees must make the best of their situation and “not take anything for granted.”Roughly $32,000 is required to integrate a family of refugees, and provide them with assistance in finding employment, education and housing. This funding is largely thanks to sponsors and private groups, while Trudeau’s government will provide travel, language teaching and health care free of charge.In order to give refugees the ability to provide for themselves, provincial governments are preparing for the influx and offering incentives to employers to hire an incoming refugee.The Quebec government has pledged to reimburse employers up to $15,000 to cover wages, training, and other costs, with its Employment Integration Program for Immigrants and Visible Minorities (PRIIME). This gives individuals an opportunity to gain real experience in Canadian culture.